Situation Update

Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management

Situation Update 1

January 18, 2015 - 4:40 p.m.

Due to high fire danger and ongoing wildfires across the state, the State Emergency Operations Center is activated. The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is in contact with emergency managers in the affected areas and is coordinating with Oklahoma National Guard, Oklahoma Forestry Services Division, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma State Department of Health, Oklahoma Department of Transportation, Oklahoma Corporation Commission, American Red Cross, and the Salvation Army.

A Red Flag Warning remains in effect for much of the state until 6 p.m. Outdoor burning and other activities that could spark a fire are strongly discouraged. Do not throw cigarettes out car windows. Report any suspicious smoke or fires to your local law enforcement or fire authority.

Logan County Emergency Management reports a large fire that began near Hiwassee and Triplett roads has threatened homes in the town of Meridian. Logan County Sheriff’s Department has ordered an evacuation of those between Prairie Grove to Highway 105 and between Choctaw Rd. and Triple X Road. Residents were asked to evacuate via Highway 105 east or west.

Two Oklahoma National Guard helicopters are responding. Forestry is on scene with ground firefighting equipment and personnel.

Oklahoma Highway Patrol reports I-35 is now open at mile markers 163/164.

Another fire was reported earlier today near Douglas Boulevard and Triplett Road.

Pittsburg County reports a large grass fire that began at Ram Mountain Road and Highway 31 is threatening homes near Gains Creek. One National Guard Helicopter is en route to assist with this fire. Additional fires have been reported near the town of Quinton at Fairview Road and Highway 2, west of Blanco, and near Hickory Hills.

Additional fires have been reported:

Bryan County at Slide Up Road

Grady County near Tuttle and on I-44 at mile marker 90 and 86

Love County west of Marietta on Highway 32

Okmulgee County near 25620 Bartlett Road

Pontotoc County near Stonewall

Pushmataha County near Cabin Creek

Washington County south of Bartlesville

Local fire departments are responding and providing mutual aid on all fires.

American Red Cross has opened a wildfire evacuation center at First Christian Church at 402 E Noble in Guthrie for anyone displaced by the fires.

Two National Guard helicopters have been deployed to Logan County to assist with the fire near the town of Meridian. One National Guard Helicopter is en route to assist with the Ram Mountain fire in Pittsburg County.

Forestry Services Division is responding to the Logan County fire with ground firefighting equipment and personnel.

ODOT has activated the highway messages boards statewide to notify drivers of the dangerous fire conditions.

For Oklahoma residents seeking non-emergency disaster or health and human service information, please contact your local 2-1-1. Services are available 24 hours a day by dialing 2-1-1 from your home or cellular telephone. Please only call 911 for emergencies.

Fire danger remains very high today due to dry, windy conditions and high temperatures. While there are no burn bans in effect, Oklahomans are urged to exercise extreme caution with any activities that could cause fires. Do not burn trash or debris when conditions are dry or windy. Unsafe burning of leaves, brush, household trash and other debris is a major cause of wildfires in Oklahoma and under these conditions any fire can quickly spread and threaten homes and communities.

For more information on how you can prepare for wildfires, go to the Oklahoma Forestry Services' website.

Oklahomans are reminded to report any suspicious wild land fire activity to the Arson Tip Line 1-866-662-7766 (1-866-NO-ARSON).

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Next Situation Update: As conditions warrant